By Peter Adelowo
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed concern over the initial public denial of the incident before proper verification was carried out.
Archbishop Okoh said while confirming security incidents in remote areas can be challenging, such difficulties should not result in communication gaps that appear insensitive to victims and affected communities.
He noted that the initial dismissal of the abduction reports created confusion, heightened fear and cast doubt on the accounts of worshippers, their families, clergy and eyewitnesses who raised the alarm.
The CAN President stressed that statements from senior security officials must be guided by diligence and empathy, given their impact on public trust and national stability.
While criticising the initial handling of the report, CAN acknowledged the subsequent confirmation of the abduction and commended the Inspector-General of Police for deploying additional operational and intelligence assets to the area.
Archbishop Okoh appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all those abducted, urging security agencies to intensify operational, intelligence and other lawful efforts to ensure their safe return.
He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to supporting affected communities and working with authorities to promote accountability and lasting security nationwide.
The call follows the police’s reversal of their earlier position after further investigations confirmed the abduction. The police said the initial denial was due to conflicting reports and the need for verification.
